Zingalala

My RX330 has no panels under it :o BTW I wanted to share my experience removing the oil filter first time after buying a used RX330. Last bone head who changed the oil filter must have used wrench to tighten it. As a result it was stuck tight and would not come off with my trusty band wrench. I spent good 3 hours with different tools, WD40, different oil filter removal wrenches, etc. Finally what worked is a gator-grip like oil filter pliers from Autozone. The oil filter was crushed to death by the time it came out. I wanted to avoid "punch a long screw driver through" trick because of lack of clearance on this car. Hope this experience will help someone.

BTW this was 2004 RX330.

I searched online for this kind of problem but I could not find an answer anywhere so I am adding this post for documentation purpose. Here is what happened: I was trying to replace the alternator/generator. As fate would have it, I forgot to disconnect the battery before alternator removal process. The positive lead that came off the alternator touched the body and volla! instant fireworks. I took the lead off the body and then disconnected the battery. After the whole replacement job was done, I put the key in the ignition, and turned key into on position. All instrumentation lights came ON like Christmas lights with VCS light blinking. I can't crank the engine. Did lot of search and nothing. Then I talked with a nice fellow at Toyota Richardson, TX parts store who told me that a high-current fuse might have blown up. Or possibility that the car computer is fried (gasp!). Came home and checked the fuse box, one of the fuse at the deepest location in the main fuse box (140A) was clearly blown. Now thing about this fuse is that it is bolted from inside of the fuse box. Following is a useful write-up I found on replacing the 140A fuse. I am going to follow these instructions.

I have the 2004-2006 RX330 Factory Service Manual. If you want a copy then drop an email to pjigar aht g mail dhaut com.